ASUS Z170, LGA1151, 4DDR4, 1x HDMI, 1x DP, 3x PCIe 3.0 x16, SATA 6Gb/ s*4, 2x USB 3.1, 6x USB3.0,
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QUICK OVERVIEW
World's first Z170 gaming motherboard with integrated RGB headers
- LGA1151 socket for 6th-generation Intel® Core™ desktop processors
- Dual DDR4 3800 (OC) support
- Best gaming connectivity - Aura RGB-strip headers, 2x2 802.11ac MU-MIMO Wi-Fi, U.2 and M.2, plus Intel-powered USB 3.1 controller
- Best gaming performance – 5-Way Optimization with Auto-Tuning, second-generation T-Topology and OC design
- Best gaming audio – Reinvented SupremeFX 2015 with intuitive Sonic Studio II
- Best gaming networking – Best-in-class Intel Gigabit Ethernet, LANGuard and GameFirst technologies
- Best gaming protection – Carefully-selected premium components to ensure maximum durability
- ROG gives you more – More gaming-oriented utilities, all free!
For almost a decade, Republic of Gamers (ROG) has delivered exemplary design and performance to thrill the world's best gamers and PC enthusiasts. But our work has only just begun. With our pimped, pumped and packed Maximus VIII Hero Alpha motherboard, competitors be warned, gamers get set and enthusiasts prepare to push your limits — ROG is ready to accept all challenges!
LIGHT UP AS EASY AS RGB
AURA 4-PIN RGB-STRIP HEADERS & LIGHTING CONTROL
Forget the faff of external RGB controllers! With ROG's Aura RGB Strip header, it's quick and easy to cast brilliant colors across your rig and room: Just slide standard 12V RGB strips onto the 4-pin Aura RGB-strip headers, then weave your lighting any way you like. Customize static, strobing and pulsating effects, or have the colors change in time with music or indicate CPU temperature.
*The Aura RGB-strip header supports standard 5050 RGB LED strips with a maximum power rating of 2A (12V). For maximum brightness, strip length should not exceed 2m.
*Two extension cables are included. RGB LED strips need to be purchased separately.
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Maximus VIII Hero Alpha includes the amazing Aura lighting-control utility to cast stunning multi-color glows across your gaming rig, via the motherboard's powerful built-in RGB LEDs or attached RGB strips, or both — and in perfect synchronization! Fire up Aura and then enjoy the creative freedom of six different lighting schemes:
Static
Always on
Breathing
Fades in & out
Strobing
Flashes on & off
Color cycle
Fades between the
colors of the rainbow
Music effect
Pulses to the beat of
your music
CPU temperature
Changes color with CPU load
BEST GAMING AUDIO
You'd never win with your eyes closed, so open your ears up to the best audio for the battlefield! ROG's awesome audio expertise is the result of extensive R&D, and SupremeFX is the crystal-clear result — onboard sound as superior as your gaming rep!
CHAMPION-LEVEL AUDIO FROM SUPREMEFX 2015
Maximus VIII Hero Alpha's onboard audio isn't just good — it's as good as you can get! You benefit from the best gaming-audio inputs and outputs, with special shielded designs, and a collection of carefully selected professional-grade audio components, including an ESS® ES9023P digital-to-analog converter (DAC) with Hyperstream™ technology, ultra-low-jitter clock, Nichicon capacitors, 2VRMS headphone amp, and Sonic SenseAmp that automatically detects and optimizes any headset (32-600ohms) for purest sound quality. SupremeFX 2015 also features intuitive Sonic Studio II, so you'll apply and enjoy different audio effects for perfect entertainment — plus Perfect Voice noise-cancellation technology for team conversations with total clarity!
ULTRA-DURABLE GOLD-PLATED AUDIO CONNECTORS
Distortion-free for enhanced audio-signal input and output.
SUPERMEFX AUDIO PROCESSOR
Ten DAC channels, simultaneous 7.1-channel playback, independent 2.0-channel, multiple-stream stereo to front-panel outputs, and an EMI cover for purer audio quality.
ESS® ES9023P DIGITAL-TO-ANALOG CONVERTER (DAC)
Creates a perfect balance for top-tier audio clarity capable of -94dB THD.
HIGH-PRECISION CLOCK SOURCE
High-accuracy timing technology ensures ultra-low jitter by preventing fluctuating temperatures.
NICHICON CAPACITORS
Deliver the highest-quality sound resolution and expansion for especially warm and natural audio.
2 VRMS HEADPHONE AMP
Provides the perfect current and voltage for true-to-life tonality and spacious sound imaging.
SONIC SENSEAMP
Automatically detects and optimizes outputs for different headphone impedance (32-600 ohms).
DE-POP RELAY
Dedicated relay eliminates the popping sound when the system is powered on or off, or devices are attached or removed.
INTUITIVE AUDIO-TUNING SUITE
SONIC STUDIO II
Casting Enhancer
Casting Enhancer improves both streaming and recording audio quality, reducing noise artifacts and stabilizing overall voice volume. It also improves all the rich details and boost bass effect of in-game sounds and music playback.
Perfect Voice
Perfect Voice reduces noise during in-game chat so every teammate is heard, and no command is missed.
Sonic Studio
One-click virtual-surround function emulates 7.1 channels, even through a stereo (2.0-channel) headset. It offers five more superb audio controls, including Reverb, Bass Boost, Equalizer, Voice Clarity and Smart EQ — ensuring that everything you hear sounds just amazing.
BEST GAMING PERFORMANCE
Greater performance means smoother gameplay — and that means more chance to win. With the best overclocking (OC) design, UEFI BIOS and intuitive OC gadget and utility, you'll enjoy unmatched performance — coupled with an exclusive cooling design ensures your system never breaks a sweat.
ONE CLICK OVERCLOCK AND COOLING, DONE!
GET PERFORMANCE, EFFICIENCY, DIGITAL POWER, FAN CONTROL AND EVEN NETWORKING AND AUDIO TUNING TAILORED FOR YOU — AND THE WAY YOU PLAY!
You don't need to be an expert to max out gaming performance on your Maximus VIII Hero Alpha build's gaming performance — because 5-Way Optimization sorts all the complex settings with a click, for instant, highly-controllable performance boosts! Our exclusive technology dynamically optimizes essential aspects of your system based on real-time use, so you get superb CPU performance, everyday energy savings, ultra-stable digital power, cool and quiet fans and even networking and audio settings that are tailored for the apps that you are using. In short, 5-Way Optimization ensures that your PC is perfect for gaming, entertainment, productivity or just about anything else!
Games run swiftly and smoothly with high performance, prioritized bandwidth and vivid sound.
Fans stay whisper-quiet for everyday computing, and ensure extreme cooling efficiency when gaming.
Stutter is eliminated for smooth-running apps,
even under heavy loading.
Energy waste is reduced so you'll save money.
CPU performance boost All-round energy efficiency Advanced fan controls Precise Digital Power Control Game faster, rank higher
Cooler by design
Play quieter and cooler with advanced fan and water-pump controls for the ultimate in undisturbed gaming. With onboard thermal sensors and hardware-level 4-pin/3-pin PWM/DC mode detection, Fan Xpert 3 makes sure every fan achieves the best balance of high cooling performance and low noise, so you enjoy all the performance you demand with none of the racket!
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OC DESIGN
ASUS PRO CLOCK TECHNOLOGY
Thought you'd taken overclocking as far as it could go? Meet ASUS Pro Clock, a dedicated base-clock (BCLK) generator designed for 6th-generation Intel® processors that ramps BCLK frequencies up to 400MHz or even beyond*. This custom solution works in tandem with the ASUS TurboV Processing Unit (TPU) to enhance voltage and base-clock overclocking control — providing an exciting new way to boost performance to extremes!
Advantages of ASUS Pro Clock
Reduced boot times
Lower jitter under extreme conditions for higher overclocks
Increased stability under heavy overclocking
* BCLK-overclocking range varies according to CPU capabilities, cooling, motherboard support and tuning options.
Ranges up to 650MHz are possible under select conditions.
DDR4 OVERCLOCKING
STRENGTH IN NUMBERS
Second-generation ASUS T-Topology pushes DDR4 memory overclocking to over 3800MHz with all memory slots
populated — and that means the best-ever gaming performance from your Maximus VIII Hero Alpha rig! Featuring
a customized trace layout for reduced crosstalk and coupling noise, second-generation T-Topology ensures
time-aligned signal transfer for improved memory stability and compatibility.
MEDIA-ACCLAIMED UEFI BIOS
The smoothest, slickest mouse-controlled graphical BIOS has been improved to make it even more gorgeous. Whether you're a PC novice or a seasoned overclocker, the EZ and Advanced Modes help you find your way, quickly and easily.
EZ Flash 3
Flash the latest BIOS via the internet, and from within the BIOS.
SMART
Check up your storages devices' Self-Monitoring, Analysis, and Reporting Technology (SMART) logs to gauge reliability, and even determine if they're about to fail.
EZ Tuning Wizard– OC and RAID
Select your hardware and apply different scenarios to tune system performance, or streamline your RAID configuration for faster data retrieval and backups!
My Favorites
Quickly find tuning options and add preferred tools to the list.
EZ mode
Intuitive graphical fan control
Fine-tune individual fans simply by dragging a curve with the mouse
EZ XMP
Improve your DRAM performance with a click
SATA Information
View SATA port details for easy device recognition
Fast Clock Adjustment
Use mouse controls to change the time and date
Advanced Mode
GPU POST
Automatically detect selected ASUS graphics cards to view detailed information
Secure Erase
Restore your SSDs to factory-fresh condition
Last Modified Log
Track last change and save preferred profiles onto a USB drive.
SATA Port Renaming
Rename SATA ports for easy identification
USB UEFI BIOS Flashback
Refresh your BIOS in a flash, even when the system is off
THE FINEST POWER, DIGITALLY CONTROLLED
ROG's revered digital-power controller now delivers even-finer power, with dual PWM controllers, Infineon OptiMOS™ MOSFETs, MicroFine alloy chokes, and 10K black-metallic capacitors — ensuring Extreme Engine Digi+ always delivers the precise and smoothest core voltages!
SPEED YOUR GAME LOADS
ROG's uniquely-intelligent technology effectively caches an entire storage device so that favorite games and apps launch at breakneck speeds, getting to work the moment it's activated. RAMCache turns milliseconds into microseconds to boost game-load times to stratospheric levels, and minimizes risk of data loss!
BEST GAMING CONNECTIVITY
Maximus VIII Hero Alpha accelerates every connection, with the fastest 802.11 ac MU-MIMO Wi-Fi, the latest reversible USB 3.1 Type-C and the newest U.2 socket for lighting speed NVM Express devices – kicking every game into top gear.
JOIN THE NVME REVOLUTION WITH BUILT-IN U.2 CONNECTOR
Unlock the full potential of your storage with NVM Express (NVMe), the revolutionary specification that lets your SSDs scream at top speed. Just attach your drive to the built-in U.2 connector with plug-and-play ease to experience data-transfer speeds of up to 32Gbit/s — and free up a PCIe slot for another expansion card!
SPEED UP WITH ONBOARD M.2 UP TO 32GBIT/S
With x4 PCI Express 3.0/2.0 bandwidth, M.2 supports up to 32Gbit/s data-transfer speeds. It is the perfect choice for an operating system or application drive, making your whole PC or professional apps work as fast as possible.
LIGHTNING-FAST STORAGE SPEED WITH NATIVE M.2/U.2 NVMe PCIe RAID SUPPORT
Don't want be limited by the read/write speeds of a single storage device? Then join the fast lane by building multi-device RAID array with Maximus VIII Hero Alpha's two U.2 and one M.2 onboard connectors — and enjoy PCIe data transfers at lightning speed. Our lab guys put both through their paces, achieving write speeds of 3386MB/s and read operations of an incredible 3575MB/s!
ULTIMATE-SPEED 10GBIT/S WITH 2 USB 3.1 ONBOARD
With one USB 3.1 Type-A port, and one reversible USB 3.1 Type-C, you'll experience data-transfer speeds of up to 10Gbit/s — or twice as fast USB 3.0. USB 3.1 is completely backward-compatible with your existing USB devices, and you'll be all set for USB 3.1's breakneck speeds. And ASUS-exclusive USB 3.1 Boost technology automatically accelerates USB 3.1 performance even further!
BEST GAMING NETWORKING
Lag means lost frags, so Maximus VIII Hero Alpha motherboards deliver the sucker punch of superior hardware and software — letting you focus on the game, while your ROG rig lands lag a knock-out blow!
MORE THROUGHPUT,
LESS PROCESSING,
FASTER ONLINE PLAY
ROG features the very latest Intel® Ethernet (I219-V) for faster, smoother gaming — always. Intel's LAN has the serious double advantage of reducing CPU overhead and offering exceptionally high TCP and UDP throughput, so there's more power for your game and your gameplay.
PUMPED-UP THROUGHPUT
BEST SURGE PROTECTION
LANGuard means safer, more reliable connections for your battles! Advanced signal-coupling technology and premium surface-mounting processes join forces to protect your Maximus VIII Hero Alpha motherboard's connection and deliver pumped-up throughput, plus electrostatically-guarded and surge-protected components (ESD Guards) for 1.9X-greater tolerance to static electricity and 2.5X-greater protection (up to 15KV) against surges!
2X2 802.11AC WI-FI WITH MU-MIMO
Maximus VIII Hero Alpha has next-level 802.11ac Wi-Fi with 2x2 dual-band 2.4/5GHz antennas for up to 867Mbit/s* transfer speeds — and the very latest Multi-User MIMO (MU-MIMO) technology to ensure that every connected user** experiences the best wireless and online speeds!
* Actual speed varies, and Wi-Fi hotspot feature operates at 802.11a/b/g/n. Windows 10 does not currentlysupport Wi-Fi hotspot functionality.
** Requires MU-MIMO-ready client.
TEAM UP TO BANISH LAG
GAMEFIRST IV BETA
GameFirst IV Beta optimizes network traffic for faster, lag-free online gaming — and now we've added Multi-Gate Teaming to team all your networks for maximum bandwidth and the smoothest-ever gameplay. You'll also enjoy all-new Intelligent mode, which automatically compiles a database by parsing new app data to ensure that every game is optimized for the best performance.
Multi-Gate Teaming
Team all your network gateways for maximum bandwidth and assign connections to every application for the smoothest-ever gameplay.
BEST GAMING PROTECTION
As a gamer you demand stability and durability, so ROG integrates long-lasting, premium components, plus exclusive smart DIY designs across the board — ensuring the best gaming experiences.
Stainless Steel Back I/O
3x longer
lifespan than ordinary panels
ESD Guards
2x greater
electrostatic protection than standard. ESD Guards cover the PS2, USB, audio and LAN ports
Backplates
2 backplates
to provide additional cooling, protection and reinforcement
TrueVolt USB
2 dedicated
USB power supplies rock-steady 5V to all USB ports, minimizing power fluctuations for minimal data loss
CPU installation tool
1 layer
protection from socket-pin damage
Q-connector
1 piece
sorts all front-panel cables
Q-Slot
1 clip
to swap or secure your graphics card
Q-DIMM
1 sided
clips for super-simple, super-secure handling of memory modules
DRAM Over-current Protection
1 additional
resettable fuse protects connection ports and DRAM against overcurrent and short-circuit damage
Black nickel-coated Q-Shield
0 pain!
Protect your hands from nicks and cuts
ROG GIVES
YOU MORE
STAY IN THE GAME
OVERWOLF
The clever unobtrusive overlay that keeps you in the game, so you can browse, email, IM, stream or record while you play, and all dressed up in color-matched ROG skins to show you're part of an elite pack — quickly to be available downloaded fromon Overwolf's app store!
THE FREE KEYBOARD UPGRADE – UPGRADED!
KEYBOT II
Free keyboard upgrade from an exclusive microprocessor and intuitive user interface. Record macros directly from the keyboard, switch profiles in moments, enable special functions with hotkey from F1-F10, start and even boost your PC from shutdown (S5 mode)!
WHAT'S IN THE BOX!
ROG cable stickers
12 labels
for your cables
SATA cable
6 cables
for greater storage
ROG fan stickers
3 badges
of honor for your fans
RGB extension cables
2 cables
(40/80cm) for greater flexibility
Door hanger
0 disturbance
while gaming
AND.. MORE!
AI Suite 3
One-stop control panel
ROG theme CPU-Z
Shows your important system information with pride
Mem TweakIt
Dynamic timing monitoring, DRAM efficiency gauge
RAMDisk
Boost your favorite applications up to 20X faster than SSD with the junction function.
Sonic Radar II
A stealthy overlay that maps battlefield sounds so you can locate opponents and teammates at a glance.
Kaspersky® Anti-Virus (1 year)
The best protection from viruses and spyware
DAEMON Tools Pro Standard (1 year)
The leading tool for optical and virtual discs
PC Cleaner
Accelerate your PC by eliminating clogs with simple click
100% SteamOS support
Play your favorite Steam games now and forever.
Radar on the latest gaming innovations
OG's sights are locked on future revolutions and relationships
World's first Z170 gaming motherboard with integrated RGB headers
- LGA1151 socket for 6th-generation Intel® Core™ desktop processors
- Dual DDR4 3800 (OC) support
- Best gaming connectivity - Aura RGB-strip headers, 2x2 802.11ac MU-MIMO Wi-Fi, U.2 and M.2, plus Intel-powered USB 3.1 controller
- Best gaming performance – 5-Way Optimization with Auto-Tuning, second-generation T-Topology and OC design
- Best gaming audio – Reinvented SupremeFX 2015 with intuitive Sonic Studio II
- Best gaming networking – Best-in-class Intel Gigabit Ethernet, LANGuard and GameFirst technologies
- Best gaming protection – Carefully-selected premium components to ensure maximum durability
- ROG gives you more – More gaming-oriented utilities, all free!